Resident Michael Dunne, who has lived in the cul-de-sac with his wife and two young sons for three years, said he was shocked to see officers break down the door of the property at about 2pm on Friday.

“It’s all a bit surreal really,” said Michael, 39.

“I was surprised to see so many police vans in the street at that time of day. We’ve never had any trouble round here and its a nice, quiet street to live in.

“We’d heard rumours before that something was going on but I would say I’ve seen the person who lives in the house about a dozen times if that.

“You know it goes on, but you don’t expect it to happen right on your doorstep.”

Another neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said he was “born and bred” in Billingham and had never heard of any trouble before in the street.

He said: “This is the sort of street where everyone looks out for each other, so it was a massive shock to hear about the raid.”

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man was arrested after a cannabis farm was discovered in North Ormesby.

Mum-of-two Janine Mcloughlin, who has lived on the street for two years said: “This doesn’t really surprise me.